These Bacon Cheddar Ranch Smashed Potatoes are a quick, crowd-pleasing side that’s ready in about 30 minutes. No peeling or fine chopping required — simply boil red potatoes, flatten them, and top with a savory ranch butter, cheddar, and crispy bacon for a crunchy exterior and creamy interior.
They’re perfect alongside burgers, sandwiches, or grilled meats and are a fun alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. If you enjoy variations, try garlic-parmesan or other loaded smashed potato recipes for different flavors.
Why these smashed potatoes with cheese and bacon are awesome
- Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside for a great contrast in texture.
- The ranch-seasoned butter, sharp cheddar, and bacon elevate the flavor into something special.
- A versatile side that’s easier than frying and more interesting than plain mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
- Red potatoes (about 2 pounds)
- Butter (melted)
- Ranch dressing mix
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Bacon (cooked and chopped)
- Parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
How to make smashed potatoes with cheese
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray or a light coating of oil.
Wash the potatoes and cut them in half. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the potatoes until fork-tender, about 10 minutes depending on size. Drain and arrange the halves on the prepared baking sheet.
Use a potato masher, fork, or the bottom of a cup to gently press each half until it’s flattened but still intact.
In a small bowl, mix melted butter with the ranch dressing mix. Spoon or brush the ranch butter over each smashed potato so they’re lightly coated.
Bake for 15 minutes to let the edges crisp. Remove the baking sheet, then evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar and chopped bacon over the potatoes. Return to the oven for about 5 more minutes, or until the cheese melts and starts to bubble.
Allow the potatoes to cool briefly, then garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired. Serve warm.
These smashed potatoes are cheesy, salty, and satisfying — perfect with burgers, sandwiches, or a simple grilled main. If you prefer a bacon-free version, substitute additional cheese and herbs or try a garlic-parmesan topping for a different twist.
📖 Recipe
Bacon Cheddar Ranch Smashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 2 pounds red potatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon ranch dressing mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and chopped
- Parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a baking sheet.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the potatoes until tender, about 10 minutes.
- Place potato halves on the baking sheet and gently smash each with a fork or potato masher.
- Mix melted butter and ranch dressing mix, then brush the mixture over the smashed potatoes.
- Bake for 15 minutes, remove from oven, and top with cheddar and chopped bacon. Bake 5 more minutes until cheese melts.
- Let cool slightly, garnish with parsley or chives if desired, and serve warm.
Nutrition
This nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.
Frequently asked questions
Red potatoes work great, but Yukon Gold and russets are also good options depending on the texture you prefer.
Mashed potatoes are beaten smooth with butter and milk. Smashed potatoes are partly flattened so the edges crisp in the oven while some potato texture and skin remain.
They’re excellent with burgers, grilled meats, or fried chicken sandwiches.
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